67 Creative Gift Ideas for Kids That They'll Actually Use​ in 2025

Finding good gift ideas for kids​ can be more than a bit of a challenge. Their evolving interests, quick growth and changing trends all contribute to the difficulty of the hunt for the perfect gift to unwrap for birthdays, holidays and special occasions. 

Another reason kids can be hard to shop for is that it feels like they have everything already. So, what can you get a kid who has everything? If a kid already has a lot of toys, consider giving them an experience gift instead. 

Experience gifts for kids can provide a confidence boost and an opportunity to learn new skills, according to the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Plus, not giving a physical item will help reduce clutter, which parents will appreciate.

If you want to give a physical gift, that’s fine too. From customizable gifts for kids​ to elevated essentials, there are plenty of great items a kid will be excited to receive. We’ve rounded up the best and most creative gift ideas for kids​ for you to give this year. 

Jump to Section

• Unique Gift Ideas for Kids
• Useful Gifts for Kids
• Birthday Gifts for Girls
• Birthday Gifts for Boys
• Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids
• Gift Ideas for Kids​ FAQs

Unique Gift Ideas for Kids

1. Dance Classes

Let kids get their groove on with dance classes in Chicago, NYC and Seattle. Taught by expert instructors, kids will love learning hip hop, K-pop, salsa and more. Book a kid-friendly session for an experience that gets them moving and grinning — an ideal gift idea for kids who have everything, because it shows them the fun they can have without getting more stuff.

2. Art Classes

Kids can unleash their creativity with art classes in Boston, New Jersey, San Francisco and online art classes. Local artists will teach them painting techniques, pottery, photography and more to create works of art they’ll be proud of. Lock in a spot and show them how they can create their own truly unique objects.

3. Coffee and Bakery Wooden Shop

Playing pretend is a big part of kids' learning about the world. A wooden coffee and bakery shop is a great gift idea for kids​ who like to play out real-world situations. The Melissa & Doug Brew & Serve Coffee Set adds buttons, knobs and “orders” that invite role-play barista moments without screens.

4. Crazy Forts

One of the coolest gift ideas for kids​ is Crazy Forts, which allows them to build their own structure using modular sticks and balls. They’ll love creating their own structures to play in. Go for the Crazy Forts Original Set so they can switch between spaceship, reading nook and secret tunnel in a single afternoon — an inspired outdoor gift idea for kids that will have their imaginations running overdrive.

5. Lite Brite

Parents will love giving their kids this gift from their childhood. It’s one of the most unique gift ideas for kids and kids will love creating images and seeing them illuminate. The Lite-Brite Classic brings that familiar glow with bright LEDs and templates that keep new artists engaged.

6. Personalized Where Are You? Book

Replace Waldo with your own kid in this personalized book sold by Wonderbly. It’s one of the coolest gift ideas for kids that will keep them entertained as they search for themselves. Personalize the adventure with the Wonderbly “Where Are You?” book so their name and hairstyle appear on every spread.

7. Piano or Keyboard

If they’re interested in learning to play piano, consider gifting them an electric keyboard. It’s one of the best gift ideas for kids​ to help them start a new hobby and develop creativity. The Yamaha PSR-E273 features built-in lessons and playful sound effects that encourage beginners to experiment.

8. Wooden Stacking Rocks

For kids who like playing with or collecting rocks, wooden stacking rocks are one of the best gift ideas for kids. They’ll love seeing how high they can build their tower without it tipping over. Choose a tactile set like the Tumi Ishi Wooden Stacking Stones for open-ended balancing challenges that double as desk décor.

9. Picasso Tiles

Another toy for kids to build with is Picasso Tiles. These colorful, magnetic tiles will let them build towers, castles, planes and more. The PicassoTiles 100-Piece Set clicks together with a satisfying snap, perfect as a birthday gift idea for kids who like to tinker solo or build worlds with friends.

10. Bubble Machine

A bubble machine produces a ton of bubbles at once, which will delight kids as they run around and try to pop them. Not only is it one of the best gift ideas for kids​, but it’s also fun at parties. Pick the Gazillion Bubbles Hurricane to turn the backyard into a foam-light show — an outdoor gift idea for kid that's as good as magic.

11. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza

One of the most fun board games and a favorite sleepover game, Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, will have them laughing all night. It’s one of the best gift ideas for kids and families. Grab the original deck from Dolphin Hat Games for quick rounds that travel well to sleepovers and road trips.

12. Marble Run Set

A marble run set is a great gift idea for boys who like to build. They can create a course with funnels, twists and drops and watch the marbles race through. It’s also a great toy for creativity and problem-solving — especially with the modular GraviTrax Starter Set, which lets them redesign the track every time.

13. Play Tent

A pop-up indoor play tent is one of the coolest gift ideas for kids. They’ll love having a space to call all their own for all their activities. The Tiny Land Kids Teepee turns reading time into a camping adventure, a big gift idea for kids that they'll treasure and use.

14. Talking Microscope

This unique gift idea for kids will get them interested in science. The Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope turns slide viewing into a guided discovery session — kids pop in a specimen and hear age-appropriate facts or switch to quiz mode to test what they’ve learned. A wide eyepiece and sturdy base keep little scientists steady, and the preloaded slides mean zero setup before the curiosity kicks in.

Useful Gifts for Kids

15. Starter Springboard

The Charmspring Springboard routine board uses sturdy magnetic picture tiles kids slide from “to do” to “done” for mornings and bedtimes. The icons are clear for pre-readers, the board mounts on the fridge or wall, and the reusable tiles outlast sticker charts by months. It builds real independence (packing the backpack, brushing teeth, feeding the pet) and quietly earns its spot among gift ideas for kids that parents rave about.

16. Wooden Busy Cube

With tons of moving parts like gears and blocks, a busy cube will help keep young kids occupied. It’s one of the best gift ideas for kids​ to help them develop their motor skills. Level it up with a durable, activity-dense pick like the Manhattan Toy Tree Top Adventure — wood construction that stands up to daily fidgeting and bright pathways that keep little hands engaged longer than a simple spinner.

17. Pajama Set

Cozy pajamas will always be a great gift idea for kids​. Opt for cotton sleepwear in the summer and wool in the winter. For everyday comfy-cute that actually survives the wash, Hanna Andersson organic cotton pajamas are soft, tagless, and famous for keeping their shape — a small luxury they’ll enjoy nightly.

18. Chef Helper Tower

For small kids who like to cook, a helper tower is one of the best birthday gift ideas for kids. This allows them to climb up to counter height, so they can chop vegetables and mix batters alongside you. The Little Partners Learning Tower gives them a sturdy perch with high sides, so they can whisk pancake batter or rinse berries safely while feeling like part of the dinner crew.

19. Personalized Cushy Chair

A comfortable place to relax is one of the most useful gifts for kids. A personalized chair will be their favorite spot in the house to read, watch TV or play games. The classic Pottery Barn Kids Anywhere Chair adds a removable, washable slipcover and name embroidery — a cozy “my spot” that also counts as a big gift idea for kids without taking over the room.

20. Wool Coat

Kids grow out of their clothes quickly, so clothes always make a good gift idea for kids​. A nice wool coat will be much appreciated by kids and parents. A polished choice like the Janie and Jack Luxe Collar Coat is lined for comfort and structured enough to hand down — picture-day sharp, playground ready.

21. Weighted Stuffed Animal

Similar to a weighted blanket, a weighted stuffed animal can ease stress and anxiety. Weighted stuffed animals are ideal gift ideas for kids​ with anxiety or who like to sleep with stuffed toys for comfort. The huggable Cuckool Weighted Highland Cow sits nicely on a lap during reading time and doubles as a calm-down buddy before bed.

22. Book Bucket List Scratch Poster

One of the coolest gift ideas for kids​ who like to read is a book bucket list poster. Once they’ve read a book, they can scratch it off to mark their progress. The 100 Kids Books Scratch-Off Poster from Roxbury General turns reading into a treasure hunt — a clever gift idea for kids who have everything and still love a challenge.

23. LeapFrog 100 Words Book

Babies and young toddlers can learn their first 100 words with the help of this gift. It’s fun, interactive and entertaining and also has a Spanish option. The LeapFrog 100 Words Book adds touch-and-hear sound effects and category play, so curious toddlers get more than just repetition — they connect pictures, words, and real-world sounds.

24. Wooden Puzzles

A set of wooden puzzles is one of the most useful gifts for kids. Whether they’re putting together shapes or completing an image, it’s a great alternative to screen time. Go for sturdy, self-correcting sets like Melissa & Doug Wooden Puzzles — chunky knobs for little hands now, detailed scenes later, all made to last.

25. Glow-in-the-Dark Stars

Kids have loved these glow-in-the-dark stars for generations. It’s one of the best gift ideas for kids​ because they get to decorate and it also serves as a nightlight. The classic Great Explorations Wonder Stars charge under a lamp and shine bright enough to map simple constellations right on the ceiling.

26. Balance Bike

A balance bike bridges the gap between tricycles and pedals by teaching coasting and steering first — fewer wobbles, more confidence. It’s an outdoor gift idea for kids that gets them moving, and the Strider 12 Sport is lightweight enough for kids to push up the driveway themselves. For big birthdays, it also doubles as a memorable big gift idea for kids they’ll use daily.

27. Bath Toys

Make bath time even more fun with cute little bath toys. They’ll love sliding, splashing and squirting these toys as they get washed up. Add a set like the Boon Pipes & Tubes Bath Toys that stick to tile and create bubbly water runs. Throw in some DIY bath bombs and suddenly “five more minutes” in the tub becomes an easy sell.

Birthday Gifts for Girls

28. Play Vanity

An adorable play vanity is a wonderful gift idea for girls. If they love to dress up, they’ll love sitting here to put on their makeup and do their hair. A sturdy set like the KidKraft Deluxe Wooden Vanity & Chair adds real drawers and a shatter-resistant mirror, so pretend glam sessions feel special without being fussy.

29. Instant Polaroid Camera

An instant camera is one of the best birthday gifts for girls. They’ll love capturing their favorite memories and displaying them on the wall or in photo albums. The Fujifilm Instax Mini turns sleepovers and school events into pocket-size prints they can pop into journals or clip to string lights for a bedroom gallery.

30. Bluetooth Headphones

Music lovers will love receiving this gift idea for kids​. A nice pair of Bluetooth headphones is ideal for listening to music, watching movies or playing games on their tablet. The Puro BT2200-Plus keeps audio crisp while limiting volume to kid-safe levels — great for road trip games, library corners and shared back seats.

31. Monogram Crossbody Bag

Custom gift ideas for kids​ are always a great idea. Give her a crossbody bag with her monogram or initial on it to hold all her essentials. It's light enough for museum days but roomy enough for lip balm, a library card and a lucky trinket.

32. Sticker Maker Kit

One of the coolest gift ideas for kids​ who like to create is a sticker maker kit. With this, they’ll be able to turn their own designs into cool stickers that can be displayed on their tables or notebooks. The Xyron Create-A-Sticker transforms doodles into peel-and-stick labels with a quick crank — perfect for personalizing water bottles and laptop cases. Plus, making custom stickers is one of the most unique 13th birthday party ideas.

33. Bead Kit

For a girl who likes to craft, a bead kit is a great gift. They’ll love having plenty of options to make all kinds of jewelry. The Craft-tastic Deluxe Jewelry Making Kit bundles cords, charms and clasps so Taylor Swift friendship-bracelet ideas can start right out of the box.

34. Personalized Jewelry Box

A jewelry box is the perfect place for them to hold all their baubles and trinkets. A nice, personalized jewelry box is one of the best gift ideas for kids​ as they enter their pre-teen years. The Pottery Barn Kids Emily Box adds a mirror and soft compartments, keeping tiny studs and first pendants organized instead of tangling in a drawer.

35. Fragrance Mist or Body Spray

All girls love having a pretty signature scent. A nice body spray or fragrance mist will be a well-received gift idea for kids​ entering their preteen years. Try Bath & Body Works Warm Vanilla Sugar Mist for a light, bakery-sweet vibe that feels playful, not overpowering.

36. Mini Spa Set

Give the gift of pampering with a mini spa set. With this gift idea for girls, you can include sheet masks, hair masks, eye patches, soaps and bath bombs. A curated kit like the Burt’s Bees Tips & Toes turns a rainy afternoon into a cozy retreat.

37. Crystal-Growing Kit

Looking for gift ideas for kids​ with an interest in crystals and rocks? The National Geographic Jumbo Crystal Growing Lab pairs simple steps with display stands so finished gems don’t disappear into a drawer. They’ll love learning science as they grow eight different colors of crystals in their own room.

38. Custom Crayons

Name-shaped crayons will make art time feel extra special and color beautifully. A set from Etsy delivers bold pigments and fun letter shapes — a keepsake that will become a beloved part of the craft bin.

39. Rockin’ Record Player

This kid-sized record player is the perfect gift for a young music lover. The Fisher-Price Rockin’ Record Player has educational songs they’ll love to sing along to. It's sturdy enough for little hands and portable for living-room concerts at grandma’s.

40. Scratch Paper Art Set

Allow them to create art in a new way. With this birthday gift for girls, they’ll scratch a design into a black coating and reveal a colorful background for their work of art. The Melissa & Doug Scratch Art Box of Rainbow Mini Notes is mess-free and restaurant-friendly — instant creativity without hauling markers.

41. Lego Set

Lego sets are one of the most classic gift ideas for kids​. With so many options, you can get them a set inspired by their favorite movie, a new build for their town or a custom Lego that looks like them. The LEGO Classic Large Creative Brick Box supplies the bricks for the houses, pets and vehicles they dream up all on their own.

Birthday Gifts for Boys

42. Foldable Scooter

Kids who are always on the move will love having their own foldable scooter. It’s one of the coolest gift ideas for kids​ because they can take it to the park or around the block, then fold it up when not in use. The Razor A5 LUX rides smoothly on bigger wheels and the adjustable handlebar means it keeps up with growth spurts without hogging closet space.

43. Create Your Own Video Game Set

One of the best gift ideas for kids who like video games is the ability to create their own video game. With Bloxels “Build Your Own Video Game”, customized characters become playable in minutes — a smart gift idea for kids who have everything and want to make something themselves. Plus, it’ll make a fun activity at a ​kids’ birthday party.

44. Washable Dot Markers

Washable dot markers are a great alternative to paint. If they love coloring and painting, this will be one of the best birthday gifts for boys and mess-free too. They lay down bold circles that dry fast, perfect for posters, classroom projects and DIY wrapping paper.

45. Kids’ Binoculars

Let them find new adventures with these kids’ binoculars. It’ll be fun for them to look at birds, bugs and new parts of nature. Rubber-armored Obuby Kids Binoculars are lightweight with soft eyecups — comfy for backyard safaris and park hikes.

46. Dino Ice Pop Molds

Kids can make their own popsicles in a fun dinosaur shape. Flexible Tovolo Dino Ice Pop Molds release cleanly, so yogurt, juice and fruit purées turn into T-rex treats without a wrestling match at the sink. If they love dinosaur movies for kids, this is the gift to give them. 

47. Parachute Toys

These little parachuters will be one of the most entertaining gift ideas for kids​. They’ll love tossing them from different heights and watching them float down to the ground. JOYIN Parachute Men skip strings (no tangles) and survive stair-launches and playground slide drops.

48. “My First Magic Show”

The My First Magic Set packs 25 simple tricks with sturdy, kid-sized props, so beginners actually finish routines like the ball-and-vase and coin vanish on day one. Clear instructions (and companion videos) keep practice frustration low and confidence high until a living-room “grand finale” feels natural. It’s screen-free play that builds patter, dexterity and showmanship — a crowd-pleasing pick among gift ideas for kids who love performing.

49. Slime Making Kit

Kids love playing with slime. So their own slime-making kit is sure to be one of their favorite gift ideas for kids​. These kits come with all the ingredients they’ll need, plus fun add-ins to customize their slimes. If you're feeling crafty, you can even make slime yourself! Just follow our guide on how to make slime.

50. Zero Gravity Wall Climber

An upgrade to the classic remote-control car, a zero-gravity wall climber will drive up the walls and onto the ceiling. It’s one of the coolest gift ideas for kids​ and they’ll love seeing where they can drive it. It uses a vacuum grip for doorways and hallways — a big gift idea for kids that still fits apartment living.

51. Light-Up Basketball

This light-up basketball is sure to be one of the coolest birthday gifts for boys. Whether they have a game or are just shooting around, this will let them play after dark. The impact-activated Tangle NightBall Basketball glows from the inside, keeping driveway free-throws going after sunset.

52. Hover Soccer Ball

If kicking a ball in the house is strictly off limits, this is one of the best gift ideas for kids​ who like to play soccer. It easily glides over hardwood floors for a worry-free indoor game. The Hover Soccer Ball Set rides on a cushion of air and cushions walls with a soft bumper.

53. Geode Breaking Kit

Another gift for rock enthusiasts is a geode-breaking kit. This is one of the coolest gift ideas for kids​ who like natural science and exploring. They’ll be able to break open a geode and use a magnifying glass to check out what’s inside. 

54. Stomp Rocket

Looking for gift ideas for kids​ to provide some outdoor fun? With Stomp Rocket, they can launch a foam rocket up to 200 feet by jumping on the pump. It’ll keep kids of all ages entertained for hours. Give it extra “whoa” with the Stomp Rocket Stunt Planes, which has three different planes built for loops, long glides and trick shots.

55. Mini Foosball Table

A tabletop foosball table is a great option if you can’t fit a full-size one. They’ll love challenging friends and family to a few rounds with the Sport Squad FX40, a sturdy, compact setup that survives spirited play and stores easily under a bed. The handles feel substantial for little hands and the matches will be fierce and fun. 

Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids

56. Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch is one of the hottest game consoles out there. With single and multi-player modes, it’s one of the best gift ideas for boys and girls. The Nintendo Switch OLED upgrades handheld sessions with a vivid screen and then drops into the dock for family Mario Kart or co-op adventures. It’s a fun gift idea for kids that will grow with them.

57. Play Kitchen

Play kitchens are one of the most popular gift ideas for kids​. Give them a place to make all their pretend food or work in a pretend restaurant. The KidKraft Uptown Espresso Kitchen has working doors and satisfyingly “clicky” knobs, which make role-play feel real and keep kids returning to it during playdates. Wipe-clean surfaces and plenty of storage help it look good after the tenth batch of wooden cupcakes.

58. Personalized Favorite Book

If they have a favorite book, get them a personalized copy. You can get their initials embroidered on the cover or add a personalized dedication.

59. Kid-Sized Vespa Scooter

Graduate from a bike to their own kid-sized Vespa. They’ll love riding around the backyard and the neighborhood on this. The Razor Pocket Mod Petite brings smooth cruising and a little under-seat storage for treasures collected on the way. As a big gift idea for kids, it delivers that wide-eyed reveal and then gets real use all summer. Plus, it’s one of the best gifts for siblings to share. 

60. Mini Beginner Drone

A small beginner drone is a gift idea for kids​ who have an interest. This gift is an inexpensive way for them to dabble in the hobby. The Holy Stone HS210 Mini has auto-hover and prop guards, so first flights feel exciting instead of stressful. Short charge times and a palm-sized design mean lots of practice without waiting around.

61. Battleship Game

Battleship is a classic board game that will work as a Christmas gift idea for kids and the whole family. It’s a wonderful addition to weekly game nights. The Hasbro Battleship Classic packs into latching cases, which keeps pegs contained between rounds and makes it road-trip friendly. Strategy sneaks in while everyone is having fun.

62. Karaoke Machine

One of the best gift ideas for kids​ who like to sing? Their own personal karaoke machine. With this gift, they’ll be able to put on a concert at any time. The Singing Machine SML385UW adds LED party lights and dual-mic inputs for duets, turning the living room into a stage.

63. Friendship Bracelet Maker

This fun and creative gift idea for kids will become one of their favorite hobbies. The Choose Friendship Bracelet Maker keeps strands tidy on its clip-and-slot board, so patterns look like the picture on the box. Kids get the joy of designing, knotting, and then trading bracelets at school. Read our guide on how to make a friendship bracelet. 

64. Name Neon Sign

A personalized LED Name Neon lets them choose a favorite color, so the sign feels theirs from day one. It even doubles as a gentle nightlight. They’ll love hanging this gift idea for kids in their room to customize their space. 

65. Piggy Bank

Every kid needs a piggy bank, which makes this one of the best gift ideas for kids​. Give them a personalized piggy bank where they can keep their birthday, holiday and allowance money and save up for something they’ve had their eye on. This gift idea for kids will build good habits they'll depend on when they get older.

66. Temporary Tattoo Markers

This is one of the best Christmas gift ideas for kids who like to doodle, particularly on themselves. Temporary tattoo markers have long-lasting color that comes off easily with regular soap and water.

67. Cozy Slippers

You can never go wrong with a nice pair of slippers. It’s one of the best gift ideas for kids​ during colder months, especially if they come in fun shapes and colors. The Dearfoams Kids Bear Slippers make getting out of bed feel like part of the fun, not a chore. Pick a character that matches their favorite bedtime story and they’ll reach for them on repeat. Cozy feet, cheerful mornings — this gift idea for kids is a win for the whole household.

Gift Ideas for Kids​ FAQs

What Is the Five Gift Rule for Kids?

The five gift rule for kids is a kind of gift giving that is meant to be more thoughtful and purposeful than simply buying gifts they might like or random gifts you might see. This rule lays out five categories and suggests giving kids one gift from each category. 

The categories are: Want, Need, Wear, Read and Experience. This can also help the giving think of good gift ideas for kids​ , as it gives suggestions of what kind of gifts to look for. 

The five gift rule can be used for any gift-giving occasion, so whether you’re looking for birthday gift ideas for kids or holiday gifts, this is a great framework to follow.

What Are Useful Gifts for Kids?

Kids receive a lot of toys throughout their lives. Because of that, many people may look for more unique and useful gifts to give. Educational toys and games are great, useful gift ideas for kids​ to teach and practice essential skills, like problem solving, reading comprehension and mathematics. 

Craft supplies, music supplies and books are good gifts to help with their creativity. And play equipment like books, scooters and sports balls can help them stay healthy and active.

What Is the Best Gift You Can Give Your Child?

Many parents want to find the perfect gift ideas for kids​, like something they’ve had their eye on or something they’d love. However, the best thing a parent can give their child is time and attention. 

Kids often just want to spend time with their parents, so if you get them a new toy or game, spend time playing with it with them. Make time to play the new board game they got or try one of the art projects from their new kit. 

Do experiences together to make memories they’ll cherish more than a physical item. It’s important to give a child unconditional love, genuine interest and support as well.

Shopping for kids no longer needs to be challenging with these gift ideas for kids​. No matter their interest, age or what the coolest item is to have right now, there are plenty of options that will wow kids when they tear open that paper.

From high-tech gadgets to art supplies to active toys, get inspired by these gift ideas for kids​ for the next holiday or special occasion.

For even more fun gift ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!